Donald M. "Don" Manzelli

MANZELLI, Donald M. "Don" Son of Mary (Mazza) Manzelli and Martin Manzelli, died on June 16, 2010 of hereditary liver disease in his home in Woburn, MA at 81 years old. Don leaves his 3 adult children: Doug (and wife Lori) of Calabasas, CA, Marta of Watertown, MA, and Jeff of Medford, MA; their mother Janet Getchell Manzelli of Acton, MA; his beloved granddaughter, Alisa, who attends The University of California at San Diego, as well as many loving friends and family members. Don's life began in Watertown, MA where he was an altar boy and member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Episcopal. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1946. After two years as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army and member of the Army Ground Forces Band in Washington, D.C., Don attended Brown University and then transferred to The Colorado College. While earning a B.S. in Engineering, he developed a deep appreciation for and commitment to the college. Over the years Don created countless structures all over MA winning many awards and accolades. His design/construction business began in the '60's in Arlington & moved to Woburn in the '70's. Don immersed himself in all aspects of the community by joining the North Suburban Chamber of Commerce, the Woburn Business Assoc., The Woburn Redevelopment Authority, The Lion's Club, and The Winchester Hospital. Don was also a member of state and national building organizations such as The Associated General Contractors of America and MA (where he served as President), The American Arbitration Association and was responsible for the accreditation of Building/Engineering curricula at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. In his later years Don expended endless energy & enthusiasm for many charities including The North Suburban YMCA, The Woburn Public Library, and Council of Social Concern. Don was a private pilot, traveled extensively, and was an avid fan of jazz, classical, opera, and musical theater. We will gather to celebrate Don's life on Monday, June 21 from 4-8pm at DeVito Funeral Home at 761 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. There will be an opportunity for sharing memories toward the end of the evening. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Don's memory to: VNA Hospice Care, 100 Sylvan Rd., Woburn, MA 01801 and/or Council of Social Concern, 2 Merrimac St., Woburn, MA 01801.